Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[mellow4]

Thanks Karen, I keep an eye on them. It does worry me sometimes, but, my cervix looks good so far. I have an overactive uterus, so we watch. I had an appointment yesterday, and the girls both look great. Growing so much, along with my huge belly. I think in the next few weeks I will be laying kinda low, just to watch and see how things feel. Being pregnant with twins is very different than carrying a singleton for me. I am getting huge, really fast. I look like I do at 7-8 months with one already...and feel it too. So I will be keeping an eye on these BH to make sure my body isn't thinking I'm further along than I really am.

Anna~ I was worried about weight gain too, and asked my Perio yesterday if I have gained enough. He said on average they like to see a little weight gain, around 3lbs in the first trimester, but most women don't, and then around 8lbs of gaining in the second trimester. Then he said with twins they like to see more...so I would say for you, it's probably fine. I started out what is considered underweight, so I have to gain more than I have. It's been tough for me though. So far I have gained 7lbs. I ordered a big dollop of guacamole to help me long yesterday. haha Need to fatten these little gals up.

[rypell1985]

Anna....Just wanted to chime in on your weight question. I'm 17 weeks with TWO and have only gained 2 pounds. But, if you take into consideration the 20 pounds I lost, gaining the 2 really puts me at negative 18. My doc is not concerned. He says it will come! I'm sure you're doing just fine!

Karen...Congrats on your baby girl!!!!!

[baby_blu73]

Karen - CONGRATS ON THE BABY GIRL!!!! Any names in mind?

Anna - At my 22 week appt. my weight gain total was only 16 lbs. We're similar "starting off" sizes, so I understand your concern. I try to avoid the charts that say how much you should be gaining. I figure so long as we are eating when we're hungry and eating well, then we're doing our part.

Karin - Just wanted to say that I'm with you on the fast food. I NEVER ate the stuff pre-pregnancy, but crave double cheeseburgers, big macs, french fries and such... eaten in moderation along with other cravings (fruit and vegs, whole grains, and milk) I figure what the hell. LOL

afm - I made all the phone calls today... I'm officially on maternity leave. I have mixed emotions about it. On one hand, I'm in love with the fact that I get to focus on being comfortable everyday. On the other hand, I feel like I'm being negatively judged and possibly labeled as a "wussy" by some of the people at my job. I know I shouldn't care, but I do a little. I feel like I really toughed it out these last couple of weeks and that it's without notice or appreciation. It's very frustrating.

[mellow4]

Stephanie, if you have coworkers who act that way...they can suck it. I'm sure they have all been pregnant with twins before and know that it's a piece of cake. Don't feel bad! You are doing what you need to for your babies, and we all support you and give you a big pat on the back!

[kjm1824]

Gina - Thanks for the info on your prenatal vit. I also take one of the prenate vit but not that one - vanilla - I think I would like that too. My current one makes me a little upset but I take at night so not bad.

Karen - Congrats on the girl!!! That is so much fun!

to have fun - that looks like great beta numbers - congrats!

Stephanie - That will be so nice for you to be on maternity leave. I can only imagine what working will be like for me later in my pregnancy. You are very lucky to be able to take off now. Enjoy and take care of those babies.

[Happy Bunny]

Stephanie: When I told my former boss that I was pregnant, she made sure to tell me that she gave birth on Friday after work and was back to work on Monday. I really didn't know what to say... I no longer work because I was feeling too exhausted. I feel wonderful now and am sure that you'll be amazed at how terrific you will feel when you are getting all the sleep and rest that you need.

[baby_blu73]

I just got a call back from my OB's office, and they chose to word my doctor's note that I "prefer" to be off due to contractions and the fact that it's a high-risk pregnancy... I had asked that it stated that I can no longer physically preform my duties... because I can't. UGH! I guess I'll explain that at my appt on the 29th and get my point across. It's simple really. I'm too big (and uncomfortable) to drive a bus and we don't have "light" duty. It's my company's policy that states if I can't drive, I can't work. I don't think that sounds too complicated to understand. Right?

[klinger13]

Stephanie - I'm glad you decided to start your maternity leave now. Enjoy it and to heck with people who think you're a wussy! You're growing 2 big boys...you need your rest and good health!

Barbara - I am sooo jealous of your ring falling off of your finger. I've gained 13 pounds so far, but my real problem is edema in my hands. It's already been causing carpal tunnel but as of yesterday my hands/fingers were so swollen I had to go to a jeweler and get my wedding band cut off. I'd posted a pic on my blog so here's my picture of my fat hand and sawed off ring. It was a sad moment!



But on a good note, the new ointment my dermatologist gave me is working a lot better! I've had a lot less hives and no new eczema patches, YAY!!

[riogirl71]

Amanda! You poor thing, that looks painful and so sorry about the wedding ring

Leora - sorry about the job woohoo for you to see your twinkies! 2 gorgeous HBs, do you need to work right now or can you take it easy for the twins?

Stephanie - that is ridiculous! If there is no light duty then you are unfit to fullfill your duties right now and not by choice! Argh. I got 1 week last time and I am going to try and get 3 weeks of maternity leave before baby!

Anna - I gained 8lbs so far on a GD diet so I think a lot of it is just fluid and boobs and belly, if your OB is not concerned then don't worry about it!

mellow - I love guac!

Chris - awesome beta!!!

[gina55]

Stephanie: I wouldn't stress over it. Enjoy being home and sleep while you can.

Amanda: Keep a close watch on your blood pressure. My doctor said swollen ankles are normal but when the hands and face swell it could be a sign of pre eclampsia.

At my last appointment 24 weeks I had gained 19 pounds. Why does it look like so much more?

[Happy Bunny]

Amanda: Holy poop! That looks painful. Does your doc have any clue as to what is causing the swelling?

[klinger13]

Rio - I know, I was upset about my band. But at least the jeweler said it will be really easy to repair it later on. So I'll wait until the little on arrives and my hands get back down to normal and then get it fixed.

Gina - thanks for that info! One of my friends on FB just mentioned to watch out for pre-e too. I know last month my BP was looking good so I'll be anxious to see what Tuesday's is at my next doc appt. (Maybe I'll even to pop in to CVS a couple times a week to give it a quick check on their machine.)

Barbara - Yeah, my finger was REALLY sore yesterday. I still have a good indentation today but it's definitely looking less raw. Last month when I talked to my MFM about it he was definitely surprised, saying most of the time it's feet and legs that swell up during pregnancy. I've been drinking lots of water and trying to limit my salt intake but those don't seem to be working. I'll be anxious to see what he says on Tuesday at my next appointment now that we know these swollen hands are lingering.

[HopeIsAllIHave]

Hi ladies,

Sorry for the lack of personals, but I'm in a bit of a rush and can't get this worry off of my mind. I had my first OB appt this afternoon and don't really know what to think of it. I'm 8w4d today, but my OB measured the baby at 8w exactly. Is that a cause for concern? I've heard up to a week give or take is normal, but I can't get myself to stop thinking about the baby's growth. The baby still looked like a blob although we could see the heartbeat flickering away. I thought we were going to be able to see buds by now? Their ultrasound machine looked ancient and all grainy, however. They didn't even have any audio, just video. Blah, what a poor clinic! I want my RE's office back! Thoughts on any of this?

[lou71]

SD -- Thanks! I really cannot wait until I have a more obvious bump to show off!

baby_blu & karin1- Thanks for the ab compliments. A few years ago I decided to make myself a science experiment as far as fitness goes. So I embarked on a diet and fitness routine with the help of my friend and trainer using zone training based on my anaerobic threshold. Long story short, I ended up getting really strong (I can still do 10-12 unassisted pull-ups!), increased my VO2 max from like 36 to 65 l/min (amount of oxygen your body can carry i.e. endurance), and dropped my body fat from 26% to 15 (which I brought up to 19% for IVF). I also went from a pant size 8 to a size 2. My shoulders are broad and muscular and I've got a "C+" cup so I still wear an 8 on top...lol. My point is, if I could do it, ANYONE can. Currently, I am working out 4 days a week only while pregnant but will step it up in the second trimester. I'm doing a 1 hr spin class once a week, 1.5 hrs of tennis once a week, and 1 hr of weight training twice a week (P90X or my own workout at home or the gym). Post baby, I plan to get back into it as soon as I can. Both my gym and tennis club have a nursery if DH isn't home and my trainer makes house calls. Not to mention, I've got my trusty P90X videos! I've always been the type who does not sit still for long. I hate watching TV, BORING. I don't even really like movies. My entertainment is exercise or playing a sport. That's just me.

Karin1-- I can't wait to hear about your 20 week scan Thurs! Go to tickerfactory.com or lilypie.com to make a ticker then paste the BBCode into your signature. PM me if you get stuck!

kjm -- Woo hoo for the last week of progesterone! It's my last week of PIO as well. Great, bright, ticker!!!! Love it!

Karenthescorpio-- I know you would've been thrilled with either, but congratulations on your baby girl! I'm so happy for you!!!! Have you started thinking of names yet?

Katie99-- So far boring it is! I feel really good so far and the baby is looking awesome.

Rio -- This body is soooo ready for battle...lol. Bring it on! In fact, I'm really looking forward to the "challenge" of transforming it back into shape post baby. Is that strange? My girlfriend and work out bud competes in figure competitions (and wins them!), she's in her mid-30's and a mom of 2. She's super ripped and all muscle. So I know how possible it is, even with two small kids.

dlk -- When I first read your post about not liking me anymore, I thought "oh no, what did I say?" But then realized you were joking. Whew! Heck, the abs didn't come easy. I WORKED for them, and will have to again post-partum. You are soooooo close to meeting your baby! I'm so excited for you. Please keep us as updated as you can. I'm thinking of you. And imagine this, when you've worked off all your pregnancy weight, I'll still be sitting here with a huge baby belly...lol.

Leora -- U/S tomorrow!!!! So excited for you to see two perfect heartbeats. I'm really sorry the job didn't work out though.

Chris -- With doubling times under 48 hrs, you definitely could still have two in there. Don't count out twins yet! Only an u/s can tell for sure. I'm still predicting 2!

happy Bunny -- Good luck at your appt tomorrow! Your boss who gave birth on Friday and was back to work on Monday is clearly insane. WTH? Is she serious? And insinuating you should do that too? Idiot.

Ryann -- You must be the skinniest twin mama out there! Down 18 lbs!!!!! And you were clearly thin to begin with. Good lord. Glad the babes are healthy.

klinger -- OUCH! I'm so sorry about your ring and swollen fingers!!! Try ice packs and holding them above your heart for a while and see if that helps. Glad the eczema is better with the new RX!

AFM -- Another u/s today. It was amazing. No seriously.... I've been all over the world. I've been inside King Tut's tomb and stood in front of the Great Pyramids, hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, done a safari in Africa, dived with Great White sharks, visited the Pope in Rome, and have done amazing things in over 50 countries. But... the most amazing thing I've EVER seen, was my little baby moving and wiggling around on that ultrasound today. He/she appeared to be dancing...lol. Anyway, here's a pic. I'm praying with everything I've got that I get to meet him/her and he/she will come home with us someday healthy. My doppler came today too! Of course I immediately tried it out and was able to find the heartbeat in about 30 seconds. First I heard my own heart swishing and the display read 58, so I knew it was mine. Then I moved it a little and got a quick "swish, swish, swish" and a reading of 156, clearly the baby's! So cool.

[lou71]

Hi ladies,

Sorry for the lack of personals, but I'm in a bit of a rush and can't get this worry off of my mind. I had my first OB appt this afternoon and don't really know what to think of it. I'm 8w4d today, but my OB measured the baby at 8w exactly. Is that a cause for concern? I've heard up to a week give or take is normal, but I can't get myself to stop thinking about the baby's growth. The baby still looked like a blob although we could see the heartbeat flickering away. I thought we were going to be able to see buds by now? Their ultrasound machine looked ancient and all grainy, however. They didn't even have any audio, just video. Blah, what a poor clinic! I want my RE's office back! Thoughts on any of this?

I definitely understand your concern. My RE and OB told me anything within 5 days is acceptable. Since the machine was old, maybe that's why it looked like a blob and you couldn't identify limb buds. Can you call your RE's office and ask for an ultrasound? My clinic says insurance covers them up to 12 weeks and although I'm already seeing my OB, I'm still going for weekly u/s at RE's office since I'm a bit of a freak myself due to having had a loss between 10 & 12 weeks. The baby I lost measured 9w1d on 9w5d and had a heartbeat of 146 on the u/s before I lost him. My OB wasn't concerned at all though at the u/s. I don't know if that was an indication or not. I've heard plenty of cases where babies measure a bit small and are just "petite" but perfect. If the OB measured too quickly, he may have been off. A millimeter or two can make a BIG difference this early. Try not to worry too much, you definitely need more information before there's any real cause for concern.